Improvement in metallic fence-posts



W. LANGHAM. Metallic Penna-Posts.

Patented Feb. 12, 1878.

ATTEST lea Wt MPETERS, PHOTU-LITHOGRAPMER. WASHINGTON, D. I:v

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM LANGHAM, or OEDARVRAPIDS', IOWA.

IMPROVEMENT lN METALLIC FENCE-POSTS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent N0. 200,206, dated February12, 1878; application filed July 23, 1877.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM LANGHAM, of Cedar Rapids, in the county ofLinn and State of Iowa, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Metallic Fence Posts, of which the following is adescription, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and tothe letters of reference marked thereon.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the post. Fig. 2 is a rear view of thebase and its parts. Figs. 3 and 4 show in detail the manner of fasteningthe wire to the post.

The nature of my invention consists in the construction of a fence-post,into which enter the cast-metal base B, with projecting stem 1), andmetal braces I I I, and metal anchor-plate b, and the adjustable top A,with apertures a a a a in the edge of the front flange or rib A, allsubstantially as shown in the accompanying sheet of drawings.

My object is to construct a fence-post so as to secure great durabilityand wide range of use, as well as convenience and adaptability to thepurposes intended, and at a comparatively moderate cost.

Fig. 1 gives a perspective view of my post as designed. for wire fences.It also shows the most desirable form or shape to be used in itsmanufacture. I

The top A may be of cast or wrought iron, or of, wood, according to theuse intended.

Fig. 2 gives a rear view of a section of the post, showing in detail themanner of attaching the top A to the base B.

The base B has projecting stem 1), which is provided with holes f f, andcorresponding'to these are the slots f f in the top A.

The top A, being placed in position, is easily and securely fastened tostem 11 by means of the metallic bolts or pins a a.

The stem 1) is preferably of wrought-iron, and is made a part of thebase B by having its lower end firmly inclosed in the cast metal-a thingeasily accomplished in the process of manufacture.

The advantage claimed fora post whose top is adjustable is, that its usemay be extended to picket-fences, (by substituting a wooden for an irontop,) to grape-stakes, to grape-trellises,

and to all vine-supports, as well as to wire fences.

The top being adjustable permits the laying down of vines for winterprotection or other purposes without disturbing the base, and, whennecessary, it can be replaced in position in a moment.

In the mere detail of attaching the top A to the base B, I claim anymanner or method equivalent to the one above described which convenienceor necessity may suggest.

The fastening consists of aperture a in the edge of front flange or ribA, in combination with metal key d. The aperture a consists of twoparts, 0 and c. The wire 0, when placed in position, rests in a. The key(I, having near the middle a slot or groove, d, is then pushed into 0and turned down one-quarter way round.

Fig. 3 is a section of front flange A, showing the wire 0 and key d inposition, and giving both a lateral and a front view. Fig. 4 is also asection of the front flange or rib A, showing the aperture a, with itstwo parts 0 and 0 in proper form and relation in respect to each other.It also presents a side and an end view of the key d.

The anchor-plate 1), Figs. 1 and 2, is securely yet loosely attached tothe lower end of base B, and secured thereto by pin b Its purpose is toprevent the post from being drawn out of the ground by the tension ofthe wires or action of the frost. It is especially intended forcorner-posts, and for posts set in low ground, with abrupt or steepbanks on the sides.

The braces I I I, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2,

are attached to and form an integral part of the post A B. They extendout and rest upon the surface of the ground when the post is set, andare designed to aid in keeping the same in a firm, upright position, andthus, by presenting great resistance to anylateral force or pressure,prevent sagging. They are especially adapted to prevent sagging orsettling of the post in spring thaws, or in Wet and sloughy ground.

It is not intended to limit the shape or number of these braces to thatherein described; but the same may be of any convenient shape or number.Nor is it intended to limit their manner of attachment to or theirposition inrespect to the post to that herein described; but the samemay be attached in any manner or position most suitable or convenient.

Having thus described my invention, What I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

1. The within-described post, consisting of cast-iron base 13, providedWith braces I, and having stem or projection I; cast or secured in itsupper part, and top A, fastened thereto by the means a f f,substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

2. The key (I, having a slot or groove near its middle, and adapted toand combined with flange A in the opening a of the fence-Wire hole 0 anda, substantially as described.

3. The post herein described, having the base B, provided with theanchor-plate 1), secured thereto by pin b substantially as and for thepurposes set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I affix my signaturein presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM LANGHAM. Witnesses:

E. K. FAssE'rT, J. B. TAFT.

